LOS ANGELES—The Kroger Co. announced March 10 that it’s closing three Los Angeles stores following the city council’s vote to approve an ordinance that requires large grocery and pharmacy retailers to offer employees an additional $5 per hour in hazard pay amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A Food 4 Less at 5420 W. Sunset Blvd., and two Ralphs, one at 9616 W. Pico Blvd. and the other at 3300 W. Slauson Ave., will close on May 15, Kroger said. The Cincinnati-based company has already drawn criticism after announcing on Feb. 1 that it will close a Ralphs and a Food 4 Less in Long Beach following that city’s $4 hazard pay ordinance. Those stores are set to close on April 17. Los Angeles City Council members approved their ordinance March 3 on a 14–1 vote, with Councilmember John Lee as the only dissenter. The $5 hazard pay is required for all …
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